Olga Helmy
Science Delivery Specialist
Education
2008 - 2012 Post-graduate studies, University of Montana Wildlife Biology Program
1999 M.A., Entomology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
1996 B.S., Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
Background
I am a science delivery specialist with a background in ecological research. To communicate science, I draw upon over a decade of formal training as an ecologist and a suite of practical communication skills learned on-the-job, including graphic design, data visualization, interpretive writing, photo/videography, and interpersonal communication. This unique combination of experiences allows me to effectively translate science to diverse audiences using plain language and easily interpretable visual media. Whatever the project, I work with the goal of making science clear, concise, and accessible.
Recent projects include creating on-line content for conservation and education organizations, developing exhibits for STEM-focused museums, and synthesizing fire ecology literature for the Rocky Mountain Research Station’s Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory. At the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute I facilitate communication between ALWRI research staff, the public, and practitioners-in-the-field, ensuring the results of our research efforts are readily available and accessible to managers across the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Recent Professional Experience
Science Delivery Specialist, Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, 2022 - present.
I facilitate communication between ALWRI research staff and managers-in-the-field, ensuring the results of our research efforts are available to managers across the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Writer and Technical Information Specialist, Fire Effects Information Systems, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory, 2020 - 2022.
I conducted literature reviews and wrote species syntheses about plants and animals that are affected by fire. I combined research, writing and design skills to develop reports and interpretive materials for resource and fire managers, and the public at large.
Highlights:
- FEIS species Review on Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea).
- FEIS species Review on Yellow Paloverde (Parkinsonia microphylla).
- Poster Presentation, “Fire in the Sonoran Desert”, 2021 Association of Fire Ecology Conference (November 30, 2021).
- Consultant for in-house interpretive displays.
Founder and Director, Elucidate Science Communication, Missoula, MT, 2018 - 2020.
I created content that communicates science, with clear language and graphics, for the benefit of the public. This work included concept development, writing, graphic design, layout, fine art and photography.
Highlights:
- Writer for Montana eBird, an on-line birding community newsblog.
- Creator, graphic design and scientific illustration for Silixa Engineering, Introduction to Distributed Temperature Sensing user manual.
- Creator, Glacial Lake Missoula permanent exhibit, Montana Natural History Center
- Research and background synthesis, writing, for Montana Fossils permanent exhibit, Montana Natural History Center
- Photographer, spectrUM Discovery Center
- Photographer, Five Valley’s Land Trust
- Social Media Content Creator - writing, photography and videography, for The University of Montana Wildlife Biology Program
- Creator, Insects of Palau, permanent exhibit, Belau National Museum (Republic of Palau).
Media Artist-in-Residence, spectrUM Discovery Area, Missoula MT, 2016 - 2018.
Duties included: Layout and graphic design for museum signage. Drafting social media outreach materials. In-house and event photography for documentation and promotional materials. Video capture and editing. I am proficient with the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, including Photoshop, Lightroom, CameraRaw, Illustrator, In-Design and Premier Pro.